Lavender Islands: Portrait of the Whole Family
This paper describes a comprehensive, strength-based cross-sectional survey of gay, lesbian, bisexual and takataapui people in New Zealand. This is the first national survey undertaken with these communities in NZ. Researchers undertook extensive collaboration with leading gay, lesbian and related organizations throughout the country, and worked closely with a key advisory group of members from various lesbian/gay community leaders. Domains and questions of interest include Identity & Self-Definition, Disclosure, Relationships & Sexuality, Migration and Immigration, Well-being, Politics, Income & Spending, Business & Leisure, Education & Career, Community Connections, and Spirituality & Religion. Survey distribution begins in February 2004, with data analysis completed by September, 2004. The final sample target is 3,500 of the estimated 75,000 gay and lesbian people across the country; this size allows multivariate analysis even with smaller demographic segments of respondents. Completion of the survey is voluntary and anonymous, with completed surveys posted in via Freepost, or completed on the web.
There are a number of challenges to this project, including defining basic concepts like “gay,” “lesbian” and other signifiers, the logistics of carrying out a national research project with a “hidden” population, reaching potential rural and youth participants, as well as potential participants in who are unaffiliated with queer community venues and organizations, etc. Using a survey design that integrates the target population into the project from the outset addresses some of these challenges. Solutions include utilizing a web-based survey tool, distributing surveys widely through traditional lesbian/gay-targeted media, and newsletters to gay and lesbian communities, advertising the study in mainstream media in small towns and rural districts, distributing the instrument through participating lesbian/gay organisations and in other venues frequented by the target population.
Attendees of this presentation will gain a greater understanding of the complexity of defining sexual identity and the needs of sexual minorities in their own communities.